Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets NA Tour March/April 2019 (INCL. MINNEAPOLIS!)

Man, I would LOVE to see this, and April 3rd in Minneapolis at The Orpheum...between this and Fates and of course SAVING MONEY FOR A HOUSE RIGHT AROUND THIS TIME.

But this is Nick doing mostly Pre-Dark Side stuff..like from Obscured by Clouds and Atom Heart among others....

I can't see missing this sucker unless the tickets are through the roof (over $80, which I'm sure, but hopefully not all).

I've never seen ANY member of Pink Floyd live sans for hanging out in the hallway at the X listening to Roger Waters once or twice.

And this material would mean a ton to me to see.....

 
Saucerful Site

03/12/2019 Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
03/13/2019 The Paramount, Seattleon
03/15/2019 The Masonic, San Francisco
03/16/2019 The Wiltern, Los Angeles
03/19/2019 Comerica Theatre, Phoenix
03/21/2019 Paramount Theatre, Denver
03/24/2019 Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory, Dallas
03/25/2019 Jones Hall, Houston
03/27/2019 The Fillmore At The Jackie Gleeson, Miami Beach
03/29/2019 Tabernacle, Atlanta
03/31/2019 Stifel Theatre, St Louis
04/01/2019 Riverside Theater, Milwaukee
04/03/2019 Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
04/04/2019 Chicago Theatre, Chicago
04/05/2019 The Old National Theatre, Indianapolis
04/07/2019 Palace Theatre, Columbus
04/08/2019 Civic Center, Akron
04/09/2019 The Fillmore, Detroit
04/11/2019 Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo
04/12/2019 Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford
04/13/2019 Orpheum Theatre, Boston
04/15/2019 Place des Arts, Montreal
04/16/2019 Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, Toronto
04/18/2019 Beacon Theatre, New York
04/22/2019 DAR Constitution Hall, Washington


United Kingdom
04/29/2019 St David's Hall, Cardiff
04/30/2019 Friars, Aylesbury
05/01/2019 Corn Exchange, Cambridge
05/03/2019 Roundhouse, London
05/04/2019 Roundhouse, London

Chris Squire Tribute "A Life in Yes": Todd Rundgren + others "Roundabout"

This is from an upcoming Chris Squire tribute album A Life in Yes, being released on November 9th,

The Steve Hogarth and Annie Haslam contributions probably have me the most curious.

But here's Todd Rundgren with John Wesley and Tony Kaye (oddly) doing "Roundabout"




Amazon



1. Jon Davison and Patrick Moraz - on the Silent Wings of Freedom
2. Steve Hogarth and Larry Fast - Hold Out Your Hand
3. Annie Haslam - Onward
4. David Sancious and Steve Stevens - South Side of the Sky
5. Sonja Kristina - the Fish
6. Steve Porcaro and Steve Hackett - the More We Live - Let Go
7. Jon Davison and Tony Kaye - Parallels
8. Nikki Squire and Dweezil Zappa - Owner of a Lonely Heart
9. Todd Rundgren, John Wesley and Tony Kaye - Roundabout
10. Candice Night and Brian Auger - Don't Kill the Whale
11. The Prog Collective - the Technical Divide - Bonus Track
12. Chris Squire - Comfortably Numb - Bonus Track

Fates Warning American Tour March/April 2019 (incl. MINNESOTA!)

May 5th, 2001 at the "The Lab" or "4th Street Station" as it may have been known at the time, was the last time Fates Warning played a concert in Minnesota.

I was 24 years old, dj-ing at KFAI semi-regularly, and Savatage was on their in-effect, final tour.

My friend Creighton came with, but didn't have a ticket and he wasn't 21 at the time.

I went to go use the restroom at the Lee Ann Chin across the street, and who is in there? of all people, Jim Matheos.

Jim was really cool to help Creighon get in by having him help with the stagehand work.

It was memorable and really special for me to finally see Fates after being a huge fan for more than 5 years. Also Savatage as well.

And then I got to see them at ProgPowerUSA in 2009, which this upcoming concert on Saturday March 16th at the Medina Entertainment Center in the West Metro, will be almost 10 years later.

And nearly 18 years since they came here.

Seeing Queensryche is an added bonus, which may motivate me to at least revisit their last couple of albums that many fans enjoy with Todd LaTorre.

man, I am pretty stoked about this, even if they only play 45 minutes.

Like Marillion and Rush, I honestly am almost too big of a fan to only have seen them live twice (which in fairness is 2 more times than many huge fans I'm sure).

Also it doesn't hurt that I love their last album of course 😄



March 02 - Orlando, Fla. @ The Plaza Live
March 03 - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. @ Culture Room
March 05 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Masquerade
March 07 - Baltimore, Md. @ Sound Stage*
March 08 - Uncasville, Conn. @ Mohegan Sun^
March 09 - New York, N.Y. @ Irving Plaza*
March 10 - Worcester, Mass. @ Palladium*
March 12 - Cincinnati, Ohio @ Bogarts
March 13 - Detroit, Mich. @ Diesel
March 14 - Chicago, Ill. @ Concord
March 15 - Milwaukee, Wis. @ The Rave
March 16 - Medina, Minn. @ Medina Entertainment Center
March 17 - Davenport, Iowa @ Rhythm City Casino Resort^
March 20 - Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
March 21 - Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
March 22 - San Antonio, Texas @ Aztec
March 23 - Albuquerque, N.M. @ El Rey
March 26 - Tempe, Ariz. @ The Marquee
March 27 - San Diego, Calif. @ Observatory
March 28 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Fonda
March 29 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim's
March 30 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Ace of Spades
April 2 - Portland, Ore. @ Crystal Ballroom
April 3 - Seattle, Wash. @ Neptune
*w/ support from The Cringe
^Queensrÿche only

Small Leaks Sink Ships - Polaroid People [EP] (2017-2018)

10/27/18 

This thing is out and fuck it is good. Only 4 tracks, but all wonderful.



9/16/18


Broken Church Bells.

I swear this band can do no wrong for me. Like Fjokra or Bend Sinister in some ways. I love seemingly every single they release. This new track from Polaroid People is another catchy, quirky, atmospheric banger.

I just don't know how they will be able to reach a wider audience that their music easily could find. I guess maybe touring more would help, but I've come to not assume anything. I do think as they've become one of my favorite artists this decade and in recent years, they have climbed higher and higher on my Bucket List to see live. But when and where? it almost seems as likely as I'll  get to see Jessy Ribordy live someday,  But, Portland, Oregon isn't incredibly far from Minnesota. But I need to find the time and money and schedule to do so. Maybe by say 2021, if I haven't seen them on a tour, and they have local shows in Portland scheduled, I could look to plan a trip there to see them.

maybe....



7/31/18
https://smallleaks.bandcamp.com/album/polaroid-people

 September 26th. Digital only (for now).

Love-this-band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

damn I was thinking, if their next album compares to their last 2, SLSS I probably would regard as a high-favorite. Like Bend Sinister or Menomena, or in some ways even more NOW per their new music is so good sounding to me.


1. Prism
2.Maurice's Monsters
3. Maurice's Bed Time Stories
4 Broken Church Bells



New EP coming from Small Leaks Sink Ships Polaroid People.

Release date and more details about it I'm sure are coming soon.

Some influences and it including 4 tracks are included here 

Golden Calf  I really do enjoy, while maybe not as much as Face Yourself and Remove Your Sandals, it still holds up and remains one of my favorites from last year.

1st track "Prism" = very much thumbs up. A little more electronic, but also the production really sounds good.

This band has to be one of if not my favorite band the last 3 or 4 years, and I honestly can't get enough from them right now.

Kimbra - Songs from Primal Heart: Reimagined [EP] (2017-2018)

Checking this out, as it was released just today October 26th.

Nice, different, but still with the spirit of the original.

I guess some people are comparing it to the St.Vincent Reimagined entire album Masseduction (from Masseducation); whatevs..

I'm not sure if she had done the whole Primal Heart, it might have been overkill.

Now live? maybe a different story. She's doing some special shows down under, but also some shows in the States later this Fall/Winter. Although it seems they'll only be on the Coasts and maybe Seattle?

https://kimbra.lnk.to/PrimalHeartReimagined




1 Black Sky
2 Everybody Knows
3 The Good War
4 Hi Def Distance Romance

80's Remix: Somebody That I Used to Know

Among the literally dozens if not 100's of covers, remixes and parodies, this is a pretty damn good one.

I think partly per Somebody That I Used to Know has an 80's vibe and tone to it.

Also among others, it has often been compared to 80's Peter Gabriel.

Anyway, this is fun.

March or April 2019

Projected anyways, I need to do something special in here.

Might be really long, it might be in parts, it might be in multi-media (video, audio, and text).

Unsure, but that is the projection.

My only concern being TIME especially given that is likely around the time I will be moving.

But we'll see...it might come sooner or later (May) depending on what happens in the next couple of months.

Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells (2017-2018)

This album dropped last Friday, October 18th. I of course per FB's lack of a myspace-blog-subscription like setup, didn't know.

I will be checking it out though. I really liked a lot of Exposure from earlier this year.

Videos below

edit: played it once (it's all streaming on YouTube I think),

Touch in Mine, Thang and those last 3 tracks are all bangers.

Quite a good record; maybe not yet at the level of Emily's D+Evolution, but I may already enjoy it more than Exposure.

Those last 3 tracks are the proggy's really. I love it when she gets busy with the vocal layers and even lyrics. That is when her experiments really do work.

Also clearly, much better than the new Janelle Monae album and more or less wipes the floor with Kamasi-Hipster-Washington.

Order Links


1. 12 Little Spells (4:53)
2. To Tide Us Over (4:53)
3. Til the Next Full (4:17)
4. Thang (4:35)
5. Touch in Mine (4:53)
6. The Longing Deep Down (4:35)
7 You Have to Dance (3:27)
8. Now Know (4:26)
9. All Limbs Are (3:36)
10. Readying to Rise (5:07)
11. Dancing the Animal (5:07)
12. With Others (5:52)

Soft Machine w/ Beledo @ The Turf Club 10/23/18

It was great to finally get to see the current incarnation of Soft Machine at The Turf Club in St.Paul, MN on Tuesday Night 10/23/18.

John Etheridge - Guitar
Roy Babbington - Bass
Theo Travis - Reeds (Alto and? Soprano Sax, Flute), Keys
Gary Husband - drums

Beledo opened.

It was just guy playing fast, spanish-like acoustic guitar and then some pieces on keys. I guess Gary Husband plays on some of Beledo's albums, although he Gary played with Soft Machine, he didn't sit in with Beledo.

The guitar pieces I really enjoyed, which were kind of Paco De Lucia or even Scott Bravo-like. Very fast picking techniques.

On Soft Machine; they were awesome! technical as hell. Dynamics, lots of builds and crescendos. John Etheridge on at least 2 or 3 pieces really showed his shredding, in cases playing in 15.

I told John it reminded me of Al Di Meola at 1 point.

My favorite Soft Machine album, Third, was at least represented with "Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)."

It was just an excerpt being "Part 1" but I can't complain as it was certainly a highlight, but the rest of the show was very engaging as well.

Theo Travis stood out many times, and it was nice to note about him being that he has played with a lot of artists, including Robert Fripp and Steven Wilson extensively. I got to speak with him and have him sign a copy of Soft Machine's latest album Hidden Details after the show.  I asked him about Steven Wilson and he was here in 2013 on the Raven tour at The Fine Line.

He fills the Elton Dean-role I suppose in some ways being the Reeds and on Flute virtuoso that Soft Machine's music calls for.

Overall great show (despite somewhat low attendance...100 maybe?, but in Minnesota?..and lack of promotion? I can't be shocked, and it didn't seem to matter as far as the response from the band as far as I could tell) and cool to finally have seen them (maybe someday, they'll be back and consider playing even more from Third, which is one of my favorites).


Set List
Hidden Details
The Man Who Waved at Trains
(followed by band introduction)
Life On Bridges
The Tale of Taliesin
Song of Aeolus
Gesolreut
Fourteen Hour Dream
Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)
Kings and Queens
The Relegation of Pluto / Tarabos / Sideburn / Hazard Profile (Part 1)
(Medley)

Encore:
One Glove

Josh Rouse + Grant Lee-Phillips @ The Cedar Cultural Center 10/20/18

I saw Josh Rouse again on Saturday night with Grant Lee-Philips (of Grant Lee Buffalo).

Grant played 1st, and it was just him and his acoustic guitar. Very singer/songwriter and folky of course. I probably know or would know him best from his appearances as the roaming Troubadour in Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls.

And I do slightly recall a video from Grant Lee Buffalo on Beavis and Butt-Head in the 90's.

I enjoyed his stuff, namely the tunes he did extending his vocals, by wailing a bit. "San Andreas Fault" probably being the biggest highlight.

So Josh Rouse, whose last show(s) my wife and I saw back in May at The Dakota, were awesome with his incredibly tight band. But Saturday night it was only Josh and his electric guitar. He even donned a suit, looking almost like Kyle MacLachlan from Twin Peaks in some ways, especially without his signature hat on.

But Josh was really great, both from a performance and set list standpoint especially. I mean certainly many of the tunes were stripped down, or re-arranged a bit. But they still worked.

Winter in the Hamptons being a tune I have been enjoying more and more lately, may have been the biggest highlight for me.

And the encore duet with Grant doing The Church cover Under the Milky Way, really was great. Especially per The Church were just at The Turf Club last Monday and I missed them unfortunately.

Anyway, the set lists below ARE NOT 100% ACCURATE as they are guessed and taken largely from some other recent shows per setlist.fm

I was thankfully able to chat with both Grant and Josh after the show. I even got to ask Josh about Pete Finney who has recently been playing Pedal-Steel guitar with Michael Nesmith and the National Band. But Pete played on Josh's album Subtitulo in fact. I asked Josh if he ever wanted to work with Pete again, or maybe have him out with his band live, etc. And he mentioned how Pete may be pretty busy (besides with Nez) and actually how there are tons of guys IN NASHVILLE who people hire like him. Not that Pete is bad, as he remembered his playing being great, but that given Josh lives in Nashville, there are a lot of highly talented Pedal-Steel players there.

One he mentioned to me was named Fats Kaplin in fact.

But the other thing I mentioned given he lives in Nashville now (moved back a year ago, after living in Spain for like a decade), is Matt Mahaffey aka sElf. He I guess knows Matt, and I just asked if he ever might want to work with Matt. Maybe have him produce something, and Josh mentioned he might be interested.

My jaw might drop through the floor if that happened.

Anyway, great show, my 4th Josh Rouse, and 8th for my wife. And it was cool being the final night of this tour.

Josh Rouse Set List (not 100%)
Come Back (Light Therapy)
Businessman
It's the Nighttime
1972
Love In The Modern Age
Dressed Up Like Nebraska
Middle School Frown
Salton Sea
Julie Come out of the Rain
Winter in the Hamptons
Saturday
It's Good to Have You
Love Vibration

Encore:
Under the Milky Way (The Church cover) (with Grant‐Lee Phillips)
Empire State (with Grant‐Lee Phillips)



Grant Lee-Phillips Set List (guessed per taken from another show on setlist.fm)
The Wilderness
Something's Gotta Give
Far End of the Night
Smoke and Sparks
Mighty Joe Moon (Grant Lee Buffalo song)
Honey Don't Think (Grant Lee Buffalo song)
Mockingbirds (Grant Lee Buffalo song)
San Andreas Fault
Buried Treasure
See America
Lily-a-Passion
Walk in Circles
It Ain't the Same Old Cold War Harry

Phil Collins @ Target Center 10/21/18

So I managed to see Phil Collins last night at Target Center.

His 1st appearance in Minnesota since 1992 (with Genesis at the Metrodome), and 1st solo since 1983 (at of all places, Williams Arena).

The Genesis Minnesota curse?
-Peter Gabriel only came once, had sound problems, promised to come back.
-Steve Hackett having issues with people at Rossi's,
-Daryl Stuermer's concert getting canceled
-The Musical Box show getting canceled due to not getting the needing 2/3 of the tickets sold by a month before the show,
-Years later when they finally did come, it was poorly promoted and the guy who booked it lost quite a lot of money I guess.

But last night had really no issues like those.

The hits for the most part were fun. Easy Lover was a ton of fun and as much of a sing-along as I love the studio and video version for. The Philip Bailey parts were done really well by Phil's backup singers.

Follow You, Follow Me almost had me in tears; which I suppose the video montage of the Genesis history, including much with Peter Gabriel added to that.

In the Air Tonight is a showstopper and probably was the biggest of the night. As much as it's one I've heard 1000 times, to see the man sing it and have it performed live (especially the drum part) I had chills to finally see.

And like when seeing Stevie Wonder a few years back, just seeing him finally live, meant a lot to me. Even if he wasn't playing the drums and had to use a Cain, which I guess was due to a recent back surgery.

He sadly can't play drums anymore, and his voice isn't what it once was, but as screechy as it sounds, it still is in key and sounds good enough to still enjoy live.

However, he did participate in the drum duo/trio (with his son, and the other percussionist) on hand drums which that itself was surreal.

I suppose the main thing I can take away from this show that was less than thrilling;
At least 1/3, maybe 1/2 of the show was Big Band driven, which to be honest, hurt some of the mix with the vocals. Also the Phil Big Band stuff is more of the Pop-Jazz variety which I can't say I love.

Overall, since I wasn't sure if I was going to see this show per the price of tickets were through the roof of course, and in trying to watch my budget along with Rocktober and the bevvy of other concerts around this time (Josh Rouse, Soft Machine, Martin Barre, Cream, Alan Parsons Project), I am certainly happy I got to go last night. As this may be the only time to ever see him or for that matter any of the Genesis members live, especially in Minnesota again.

Even despite that, it would have been cool to see him wear his often-seen-in-the-past Minnesota Northstars jersey.

Also Daryl Stuermer was there, which in a way felt like seeing another member of Genesis. And Phil's 17 year old son Nick, is on his way to living up to his dad's drumming legacy which was cool.


Set list
Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)
Another Day in Paradise
I Missed Again
Hang in Long Enough
Throwing It All Away (Genesis song)
Follow You Follow Me (Genesis song)
Can't Turn Back the Years
Who Said I Would (followed by band introductions)
Separate Lives (Stephen Bishop cover)
You'll Be in My Heart
Drum Trio (with Nicholas Collins and… more )
Something Happened on the Way to Heaven
You Know What I Mean (performed by Phil Collins on… more )
In the Air Tonight
You Can't Hurry Love (The Supremes cover)
Dance Into the Light
Invisible Touch (Genesis song)
Easy Lover (Philip Bailey cover)
Sussudio

Encore:
Take Me Home

Meaningful Songs: Josh Rouse - Winter in The Hamptons

Josh Rouse - Winter in the Hamptons

I saw Josh Rouse again last night at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. The 4th time now I've seen him since around 2013 I recall.

Josh Rouse is a huge favorite of my wife's but I have to admit, the guy has some great tunes, and while I doubt this is my #1 or at least most known/listened to track of his (Comeback (Light Therapy) that probably goes to), I recently came to find this to be quite a mesmerizing, romantic number.

Even just for the "bah bah bah-bah bahhh" chants alone, I have been won over by it.

It's both catchy and sublime in some ways.

I suppose "The Hamptons" being those places in New York (near Long Island?) that admittedly, wealthy people live or go to for Rest and Relalaxtion I think of maybe in a romantic way. Kind of an escape.

Also for the fact the TV Show Royal Pains was set there, so I kind of think of that show and also the now past last decade time frame, etc Both from a time not too long ago, but sometimes I wish I could go back to. The ole' wish I had known Josh Rouse's music when Nashville came out in 2005, seen him live back then (and as many times my wife has, 8), etc as I would have even more nostalgia for it and this song.

But never too late..

Erthlings - Bridges [1B] (2018)

Heard about this relatively new Australian all-female Psych/Rock band on the latest episode of Sound Opinions. 

I say *relatively* new because the 4 members of this band started playing together when they were 8 years old. And they are all 16 now I guess.

I guess the reason I'm sharing this is largely due to how their sound reminds me enough of Warpaint; and even say Black Belt Eagle Scout and Genders (Katherine Paul's music).

But this song/video "Bridges" is just their debut single. Dreamy and melodic enough to have my attention. I'm pretty curious what they do next. Debut EP and/or album maybe in 2019?

I mean if they have been playing together since 2010, I wonder if they have refined their sound and have songs that they have worked on for quite awhile, which may come out all the better given they may have been 1st written many years ago.

Pure Reason Revolution REUNION in 2019!

It's only 1 gig at Midsummer's Prog Festival in the UK, and of course not something I likely will be making (I've never seen them live unfortunately), even though the festival falls around my birthday.

Will this lead to more? who knows. I suppose it is worth noting how Chloe Alper's projects since PRR's breakup have been slow to happen. Tiny Giant have released a few singles and plays live at times; and I know there has been stuff about their debut album coming, but it was at least 2, maybe 3 years ago.

Jon Courtney's band Bullet Height did finally put out their highly industrial-influenced debut album in 2017, but I was only luke warm about it.

I.e. as a huge fan of PRR, I would love to still see them make more music and play live, even if it is independent while simultaneous with their current music projects.

I guess we'll see next year. Unlike some band break ups in the last decade, I recall the PRR members ended on good terms and said they planned to reunite at some point in the future. I guess 2019 is that year.

edit:



PRR's FB photo from October 9th.

Facebook

King's X BOOK also coming in 2019

Amazon

maybe I'll add more details later, but I just wanted to pass this along for now.

2019 seems to be a HUGE year for King's X and King's X fans.

2019 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Nominees (MONKEES OMISSION)

Billboard article

FANVOTE


only 15 noms...way way way TOO LOW!!!!!!!

Nominate 25-30 and induct at least 10, that way so many of these longtime misses and never nominated can finally get in before all the members are dead, lol.

meh..Rundgren and Roxy Music are really the only 2 I am remotely into. I did enjoy Rage Against the Machine at times in the 90's and don't hate them. But they still sure as hell shouldn't be going in before Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. Morello would likely attest to that.

Def Leppard..yeah I enjoyed them in my youth, they do belong in if Journey and Bon Jovi (and GN'R)..but The Guess Who and The Doobies are not in still, lol.

The Zombies..put them in finally

Janet Jackson needs to go in so the base stops complaining. 80's/early 90's nostalgia..it may lead to people like Mariah Carey and others tho (Britney, Christina.. Beyonce..who I still ask myself where is the "Rock" in their sound?)

The Cure hipsters will probably go apeshit if they don't get in. Depeche Mode I like more and I wish would get in first. Honestly, if it wasn't for Robert Smith's vocals, I probably could get into them more. I do like a few of their hits though.

Stevie Nicks should get in as she is the #1 vote getter at the museum itself.

I just find this list lackluster as all fuck.

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MONKEES?????????

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MONKEES?????????

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MONKEES?????????


WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MONKEES?????????


WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MONKEES?????????   

they need Peter Buck to be on that nomcom and boot about 50 or 60 of the current group on it, and get them nominated finally while the 3 remaining members are still alive, gawd damnit! 

JETHRO TULL???????

GEORGE MICHAEL??????

and John fucking Prine????? really??? instead of so many others.



Todd Rundgren
Roxy Music
The Zombies
Def Leppard
Rage Against the Machine
Devo
Janet Jackson
Kraftwerk
Rufus and Chaka Khan
Stevie Nicks
The Cure
RadioheadLL Cool J
MC5
John Prine

predictions

Radiohead
Def Leppard
Stevie Nicks
Rage Against the Machine
Janet Jackson
The Cure

I voted once at the link above. You have now verify BY EMAIL your email address in order to vote. with this mediocre list of nominees, I dunno if I'll ever do it again. Maybe by checking the standings every so often, I may if Rundgren actually might have a chance to get in.

Daryl Hall and John Oates should induct him if by some chance he does get in.

King's X - New album coming in 2019

Facebook Story

Very excited for this being a fan for over 20 years. And XV was really good, even though it was now 10 years ago that it came out.

I knew they were working on or planning on a new album, it was just a matter of when.

Very cool. I'll of course pass along the details in a new entry when they are announced.

Rock Legends KING’S X, Sign to Golden Robot Records, Set to Release First New Album in Over a Decade in 2019!

King's X·Monday, October 8, 2018

For Immediate Release

October 8, 2018

Rock Legends KING’S X Join Golden Robot Records, Set to Release First New Album in Over a Decade in 2019

Australia’s leading international independent record label, Golden Robot Records continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The label is absolutely thrilled to announce that globally revered, Billboard-charting rock icons KING’S X are now part of their ever-growing international roster. KING’S X recently signed a global deal with Golden Robot Records which will see their long-awaited forthcoming new album released worldwide in 2019 via Golden Robot Records’ partners in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

"I’m really excited to release the next KING’S X album with Mark, Derek and the crew at Golden Robot! May the groove be with us all,” says vocalist/bassist dUg Pinnick. Guitarist Ty Tabor adds, "I'm looking forward to working with Golden Robot Records!"

Drummer Jerry Gaskill adds, "It's been a while since we've made a record. During that time, I've been thinking, when and if we make a new record, I want it to be the best we can do. I want to believe in it. I want to make it great, whatever it takes. I don't want to just make another KING'S X record. I think and hope that we are in that place. I think and hope its time and I feel good about the team we'll be working with at Golden Robot Records. I'm going do my best. Let's do this thing.”

"When we started to talk to KING’S X about signing with Golden Robot in the U.S. and we met dUg in LA a few times, I knew 100% that we would end up working with them. I’m loving the fact they are still the original members and I really believe this new album will be there best yet! It's incredible how many people inside the industry – and I'm talking about very well-known musicians – love these guys and can’t wait for a new album. We are all very excited indeed,” says Mark Alexander-Erber, Group Founder and President.

“I am delighted to finally be able to work with one the most respected, creative rock bands of the past 30+ years. KING’S X is not only a superb rock band with an ardent fan base, but are also a ‘musician musicians’ band. Golden Robot Records is determined to finally help KING'S X receive the worldwide recognition it fully deserves,” says Derek Shulman, Executive Chairman of Worldwide Expansion.

Since the release of their debut record, Out Of The Silent Planet, in 1988, KING’S X released a dozen albums that have seen them rightfully earn their place on the rock royalty family tree. Fusing progressive metal, funk and soul grooves with vocal arrangements rooted in blues, gospel and even the British Invasion era influences, KING’S X created a style all their own which continues to be an inspiration for bands to this day.

Featuring vocalist and bassist Doug Pinnick, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill, KING’S X have never changed their line-up, a rarity in the music world and a testament to the band and musicians and friends.

Critically acclaimed from the start, KING’S X are musician’s musicians, name-dropped by everyone from Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies to Iron Maiden and Blue Murder for their instrumental prowess. Pearl Jam's bassist Jeff Ament even declared that "KING'S X invented grunge”. They also enjoyed a long life via the David Letterman Show with their track, “We Were Born To Be Loved” (from 1990’s Faith Hope Love), also a favorite of the Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra to play during commercial breaks.

In 1992, KING’S X signed to Atlantic Records/Megaforce Records, released three albums and toured with bands as diverse as Scorpions, Type O Negative and Pearl Jam. In the early 2000’s, KING’S X released three studio albums and their first official live album via Metal Blade Records. In 2005, the band signed to German-based progressive music specialty label, InsideOut Music, and released Ogre Tones, an album described as a return to the bands classic sound. KING’S X forged ahead with new albums, DVD’s and tours up until 2012, when drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a major heart attack. The band then quickly compiled an exclusive live release from their archives entitled, Burning Down Boston. The proceeds of which went directly to assisting Gaskill with his medical expenses. They rolled on for two more years until Jerry suffered another heart attack, which resulted in him having a double bypass operation and ultimately led to the band taking an indefinite hiatus.

This break didn’t last long, as they were back on the road in mid-2015, shortly afterward announcing they would begin work on a new studio album. This would be the band’s first since 2008’s XV. KING’S X began meetings with Golden Robot Records management in Los Angeles in early 2017, eventually signing a global deal in October 2018.

While it’s been a decade since KING’S X have released a new record, the wait has definitely been worth it! Watch this space for news on the forthcoming album in the very near future.

Golden Robot Records online:

www.goldenrobotrecords.com

www.facebook.com/goldenrobotrecords

www.twitter.com/goldenrobotrec

www.instagram.com/goldenrobotrecords

KING’S X online:

www.kingsxrocks.com

www.facebook.com/kingsxfanpage

www.twitter.com/kingsx

www.instagram.com/kingsxofficial

Spotify

About Golden Robot Records:

KING’S X are now part of a growing international roster that includes such iconic artists as Guns ’N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed, Puddle of Mudd, Little Caesar and the all-star band A New Revenge, which features Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Keri Kelli, Rudy Sarzo and James Kottak. Plus, Golden Robot Records boasts an incredible line up of Aussie acts, led by Rose Tattoo and featuring Steve Kilbey, The Lazys, Palace Of The King, Jailbirds, Fyre Byrd, The Kids, Destrends, Flickertail and many more. Watch out for more incredible names who will be joining Golden Robot Records international roster in the near future!

Golden Robot Records now own four record labels and have teams in every major market in the world: Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Tokyo and Auckland. With globally experienced music industry veterans heading up key roles in A&R, Management, Marketing and Publicity, Golden Robot Records are able to give their roster maximum exposure and support.

Meaningful Songs: Menomena - The Monkey's Back

Menomena - The Monkey's Back

While this hardly is the Menomena song I've listened to the most nor the catchiest (see Wet and Rusting) this is probably the most progressive or epic track they ever made.

Absolutely love the almost vintage synth tone Brent Knopf uses that is incredibly haunting.

The dense power chords come in and then settle down to what sounds likes many layers of hammond organs create this great atmosphere.


So I fed him poison grapes
He spit the seeds into my face
And he escapes
To germinate

Weave and till my skin
Sprout seeds, chrysanthemum
Pull the weeds from my chin
We begin

On the monkey's back
On the monkey's back

Meaningful Songs: Faith No More - The Real Thing

Faith No More - The Real Thing

Maybe my favorite Faith No More and Mike Patton vocal performance ever.

Patton screams, yells, speaks (raps) and sings cleanly throughout the dynamic changes and vocal acrobatics on this track.

I know the feeling
It is the real thing
You can't refuse the embrace...
It's like the pattern below the skin
You gotta reach out and pull it all in
And you feel like you're too close
So you swallow another dose
The pinnacle of happiness
Filling up your soul

Meaningful Songs: Styx - Suite Madame Blue

Styx - Suite Madame Blue

I enjoy quite a lot of Styx tunes, but I guess even as popular as this track is, I still consider it their most mesmerizing piece.

The vocal lines and synths alone make this incredibly moving and goose bump worthy.

Understudy - What I Don't Need [1B] (Bruce Peninsula singer)

Shit, this came out last May and of course I had no idea about it.

Understudy I guess is a new project from Neil Haverty of Bruce Peninsula. It seems it's the only track released thus far, but I can't help but be very curious about it given BP has been relatively quiet this year after some soundtrack work and other hope for more music.







Understudy on Twitter

Meaningful Songs: Al Di Meola - Race With the Devil on the Spanish Highway

Al Di Meola - Race With the Devil on the Spanish Highway

Mindblowingly fast, yet catchy somehow. This is my favorite Al Di Meola composition and it may be the greatest example how technical playing can be accessible.

the main hook's interval pattern is pure genius.

Meaningful Songs: Queen - The Prophet's Song

Queen - The Prophets Song

Probably their most progressive-rock like tune (sorry Bohemian Rhapsody) and also their greatest achievement with Vocal layering and Vocal harmonies.

The way the verses get overdubbed just blows my mind every time.

And now I know, now I know, now I know, now I know....

Meaningful Songs: I Mother Earth - Earth, Sky, and C

I Mother Earth - Earth Sky and C

The rhythms and drums/percussion are unbelievably infectious here.

I love a handful of I Mother Earth tunes, but if I had to pick just 1, it's this one.

The "C" I recall refers to Carlos Santana, and there's this incredible Santana-vibe here.

The groove is just so addictive....

Meaningful Songs: Wolf Parade - Kissing the Beehive

Wolf Parade - Kissing the Beehive

The energy, flow, and catchy-ness of this song is off the fucking charts.

I love the At.Mt Zoomer record, but this song itself is a stone cold classic. I don't know if I'll ever get sick of it. The earworm stays with me for hours or even days after playing it.

Meaningful Songs: Kaddisfly - Via Rail

Kaddisfly - Via Rail

This song almost single handed-ly made a much bigger fan of Kaddisfly.

The layers and emotion that comes through in the climax is godly. The section with the lyrics below being one of the greatest sections of Rock music I've ever heard. It's like spilling the guts out of spirits that go back centuries.

The nest of clay was forged for eternity atop the corner of the world,
while the ocean floor was now covered in gold, silver, and sand.

So build a house of clay and never ever, ever, ever underestimate
what the dead can do for the living.
If you listen closely you'll hear the harmony of
every man and woman who's passed away

You better believe it's a song for the living.

Meaningful Songs: Dream Theater - Scarred

New series, which given it hopefully will be short in length and detail. Sometimes I may just write 1 sentence or less, I dunno. I just thought about this the other day, as a way to post more often quickly.

So I may post 10 or more of these per week. No certainty, but at least from a time stand point, they may not require as much as albums and artist anecdotes, etc.

Dream Theater - Scarred

Short and sweet. Probably my go-to as a favorite Dream Theater song. Lyrically and musically. It's perfect. It's dark prog metal with more than 1 message or emotional side to it.

The section with the lyrics
And how come you don't understand me?
And how come I don't understand you?
Thirty years say we're in this together
So open your eyes.

People in prayer for me
Everyone there for me
Sometimes I feel I should face this alone
My soul exposed
It calms me to know that I won't

This is gut-wrenching as any lyrics I've ever heard. And you combine it with the intensity and goosebumps just come in faster than a speeding bullet.